FiD will keep you up to date with the latest free downloads at the US iTunes Store. Subscribe to our RSS/Atom feed to find out when you can download music and videos that you're interested in -- for free!

Monday, March 28, 2011

"At just 30 years old Marcel Vigneron has already made a name for himself with his polarizing turn as the season two runner-up on Bravo's Emmy Award-winning Top Chef, as the Executive Sous Chef at Jose Andres’ Bazaar and as the head chef at Los Angeles' Bar 210. And now, he's back in a big way with the new Syfy reality series, Marcel's Quantum Kitchen.

The exciting new series will follow Marcel as he begins to explore the next phase of his career. In each episode, Marcel will be hired by a demanding client to produce and pull off extraordinary events and celebrations. Based on the client's requests, Marcel will have to dream up a menu for the affair, from a futuristic four-course meal for Chrysler executives to a new twist on a luau for one of the nations most renowned surfers. He and his team of party planners and sous chefs will oversee the entire production, tapping the depths of their imagination, scientific experimentation, and culinary talent to dream up everything from the decor to a delicious menu that emphasizes Marcel's unparalleled brand of molecular gastronomy. Will Marcel continue to out-do himself?" -- iTunes Store

Episode SummaryFor his first event, an LA philanthropist hires Marcel to cater an elaborate event to increase awareness for the Wildlife Waystation, an animal refuge and sanctuary based in Los Angeles. After a visit to the Waystation, Marcel and his team strive to create an amazing safari-themed party with animals and their habitats serving as inspiration. Things in the test kitchen get off to a rocky start when members of Marcel’s team perform their tasks too slowly and display negligence that leads to a fire. Matters are further complicated when the client stops by for a tasting and is not necessarily pleased by the all the works-in-progress. The pressure continues to build as Marcel and his team are unable to test all their dishes before the event and are forced to prepare dishes for the first time while hungry guests wait. The spectacular menu includes an edible map, Bird’s Eye Surprise (a 'mozzarella balloon' inside a potato nest), an elaborate edible landscape and 'Himalayan Tiger’s Breath' with liquid nitrogen. The party is brought to life at a beautiful estate with actual exotic animals -- including monkeys, parrots and, pythons -- positioned inside various themed-rooms. A Himalayan tiger completes the experience in a magical back yard setting with ice sculptures and falling snow. The scope of the party is so massive, however, it leaves Marcel and company wondering if they bit off more than they can chew.

the fine print: Downloads posted on the Free iTunes Downloads blog are usually free for ~1 week. After that, you'll have to pay for them.